A Smashing Good Time

Residents across Boston came out last Saturday to smash their pumpkins, eat tasty treats, and learn about compost at Greenovate’s inaugural Pumpkin Smash.

Twenty-five pumpkins met a gooey end in the compost pit on Saturday at Greenovate’s inaugural Pumpkin Smash. Locals used bats and a bulls eye to creatively crush their pumpkins into compostable mush at our zero waste event.

People of all ages showed off their smashing skills while contributing to the City’s compost pile. The finished compost, among other City uses, is shared with local community gardens after the decomposers have done their thing.

Everyone had their own style, and Chief Blackmon and Chief Osgood even got in on the fun.

Kids were some of our most enthusiastic participants.

Mass Audubon Nature Center was also on hand to give attendees the scoop on compost and recycling in the Boston area. They provided hands-on examples and tips at the education table. Kids squealed at the red-wigglers worm bin, and people from Mattapan Ecovation Center ushered families and small groups around the site to see the progression from gourd to soil.

With all the families, food, and fun, it was a smashing success!

If you were unable to make it out but still want to send your pumpkin to the compost pile, you can put your pumpkin with your leaves or yard waste in a large paper bag or open barrel for pickup during the City’s scheduled leaf collection weeks. Be sure to remove all decorations like waxy candles that may be left inside. You can find the leaf collection schedule here.

This festive event is one of the many examples of how the City of Boston is going zero waste. Find out more by reading our blog and sign up for our email list for regular updates.